hypnosis

play

noun hyp·no·sis \hip-ˈnō-səs\

Definition of hypnosis

plural

hypnoses

play \hip-ˈnō-ˌsēz\

1 : a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2 : any of various conditions that resemble sleep
3 : hypnotism 1

See hypnosis defined for English-language learners

See hypnosis defined for kids

Examples of hypnosis in a Sentence

He underwent hypnosis to treat his fear of water.
While under hypnosis, she described the horrific accident in detail.

Recent Examples of hypnosis from the Web

Curry's plans to buy a Bugatti were dashed by Ayesha's hypnosis.

— andrew joseph, USA TODAY, "Drake mocks Curry in 'Get Out' inspired parody", 26 June 2017
A yoga class after Paris Fashion Week is great, but isn’t a sound bath or hypnosis session even better?

— brooke bobb, Vogue, "Here’s Where the Fashion Crowd Goes for Crystal Baths and Tarot Cards", 21 June 2017
From June 23 to Sept. 3, there’s live music and daily TED Talk-style programming on topics such as reiki, hypnosis, and lucid dreaming.

— maridel reyes, Bloomberg.com, "Six Vacations to Solve All Your Problems", 10 May 2017
Benson and her team investigate a charismatic spiritual healer, who a follower has claimed used hypnosis to incapacitate and assault her.

— kathryn shattuck, New York Times, "What’s on TV Wednesday: ‘Kedi’ and ‘Brockmire’", 10 May 2017
The very pivot of the film—a mind-control scheme to which Chris is being subjected—involves hypnosis, which Missy accomplishes by way of a distracting object, a spoon tinkling in a fancy teacup.

— richard brody, The New Yorker, "“Get Out”: Jordan Peele’s Radical Cinematic Vision of the World Through a Black Man’s Eyes", 2 Mar. 2017
Daily entertainment includes women loggers, racing pigs, hypnosis shows, music and more.

— Tampa Bay Times, "Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Feb. 21", 20 Feb. 2017
What do memories have to do with placebos and hypnosis and health?

— National Geographic, "Here's What Placebos Can Heal—And What They Can't", 27 Nov. 2016
True comics in 12 episodes, set in the 30s, including hypnosis, quantum physics, psychoanalysis and featuring the great figures of European literature.

— delphine, WIRED, "The French Side of… Steampunk Literature", 27 Mar. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypnosis'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of hypnosis

New Latin

NEW!

First Known Use: 1876

See Words from the same year

HYPNOSIS Defined for English Language Learners

hypnosis

play

noun

Definition of hypnosis for English Language Learners

: a state that resembles sleep but in which you can hear and respond to questions or suggestions

HYPNOSIS Defined for Kids

hypnosis

play

noun hyp·no·sis \hip-ˈnō-səs\

Definition of hypnosis for Students

: a state which resembles sleep but is produced by a person who can then make suggestions to which the person in this state can respond

Medical Dictionary

hypnosis

play

noun hyp·no·sis \hip-ˈnō-səs\

Medical Definition of hypnosis

plural

hypnoses

\-ˌsēz\play

1: a trancelike state of altered consciousness that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2: any of various conditions that resemble sleep
3: hypnotism 1